Sigmar Gabriel

Last quote by Sigmar Gabriel

The motto 'Our Country First' not only leads to more national confrontations and less prosperity, in the end, there will only be losers. This worldview describes the world as an arena, a kind of battleground, in which everyone is fighting against everyone else and in which everyone has to assert their own interests, either alone or in alliances of convenience. In this worldview, the law of the strongest prevails, not the strength of the law.feedback

We can learn a lot about a person if we know what types of things he or she talks about or comments on the most frequently. There are numerous topics with which Sigmar Gabriel is associated, including Europeans and United States. Most recently, Sigmar Gabriel has been quoted saying: “Pleading with people to abstain from participating in the parliamentary elections amounts to a capitulation of the Christian Democrats before the rightwing populists.” in the article Germany faces first far-right party in parliament since second world war.

Sigmar Gabriel quotes

Now it is of course about helping the relatives and the victims, and at the same time to further develop cooperation in Europe, as has happened in recent months. But there is no absolute security with regard to cowardly killers.feedback

Since yesterday we are a bit more optimistic; I think that above all Chinese pressure contributed to the statements from North Korea about definitely putting aside these ideas of firing a missile.feedback

However difficult the political relations between Germany and Turkey, one thing is clear: you, people of Turkish roots in Germany belong here with us, whether you have a German passport or not. We have always striven for good relations with Turkey, because we know that good relations are important for you (German Turks).feedback

Until now there was guidance for certain groups but we're saying that now applies to all German citizens, not just for those with certain jobs .... Everyone can be affected. The most absurd things are possible.feedback

The question is whether the Americans are still convinced that world trade always needs to be assessed according to one question, namely whether the U.S. is the winner, or whether we'll manage to convince the Americans that when everyone plays by the same fair rules, everyone will be better off.feedback

We now have this opportunity to reach good results for the benefit of the whole region. The matter is not related only to the sovereignty of Qatar. We have to come back to common work at the GCC and for the Europeans this is a very important matter. For us, the GCC is the guarantor of stability and security in the region.feedback

The PKK has been banned in this country since the beginning of the 1990's. And rightly so. Not only for what they have done in Turkey, but also because of protection rackets, drugs trafficking and and the arms trade in this country.feedback

For a successful migration policy we don't just need bans but also rules which allow us to use immigration as an opportunity. Not just for ethical reasons but quite simply also out of economic self-interest.feedback

The situation must be really tense if such an obvious thing is now considered as news. Of course people should at least have the right to stay, that is a minimum and personally I cannot imagine things differently.feedback

We all have an interest ... in keeping them as close as possible to the European Union, because Britain is an important country, vital to the EU in the security and foreign policy realm, and naturally also a part of the European market.feedback

We have to respect that Turkey for domestic political reasons cannot approve visits. But then you know the opinion of the German parliament which will now in the very near future make reference to that part of the mandate which says that, if visits aren't possible, the German government will have to look for another location.feedback

Anyone who accelerates climate change by weakening environmental protection, who sells more weapons in conflict zones and who does not want to politically resolve religious conflicts is putting peace in Europe at risk.feedback

Anyone who accelerates climate change by weakening environmental protection, who sells more weapons in conflict zones and who does not want to politically resolve religious conflicts is putting peace in Europe at risk. The short-sighted policies of the American government stand against the interests of the European Union. We Europeans must fight for more climate protection, fewer weapons and against religious [fanaticism], otherwise the Middle East and Africa will be further destabilised.feedback

Anyone who accelerates climate change by weakening environmental protection, who sells more weapons in conflict zones and who does not want to politically resolve religious conflicts is putting peace in Europe at risk. The short-sighted policies of the American government stand against the interests of the European Union.feedback

France and Germany are not Europe, but without France and Germany, Europe won't be able to move forward. We want to use this historic window of opportunity that opened up with the election in France.feedback

The German government is strictly against cancelling the (accession) talks, that would be totally the wrong reaction. Those who would like to win applause at home because they say 'We do not talk to Turkey any more' will not change anything in Turkey.feedback

Imagine if the Israeli Prime Minister, who is also foreign minister, came to Germany and wanted to meet people critical of the government and we would say: 'No, this is not possible'. Doing that, and therefore cancelling our meetings, would be unthinkable. It works both ways.feedback

You never get the full picture of any state in the world if you just meet with figures in government ministries. Diplomats are welcome to meet with representatives of civil society but Prime Minister Netanyahu will not meet with those who lend legitimacy to organisations that call for the criminalisation of Israeli soldiers. Our relations with Germany are very important and they will not be affected by this.feedback

Democracy is the most difficult and at the same time best form of government because it continues to seek common ground in a never-ending dialogue, even despite very different viewpoints and positions that run contrary to peaceful coexistence.feedback

The result shows that Turkish society is deeply divided. It will largely depend on whether President Erdogan does everything possible to go after his opponents… We in Europe have to think about what possibilities we have to exert influence so that the country remains democratic.feedback

I think we have to show a united position and that in these negotiations we should do all we can to get Russia out of Assad's corner, at least to the point that they are ready to participate in finding a political solution. It is the right moment to talk about this, how the international community, with Russia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Europe, with the U.S., can drive forward a peace process for Syria and avoid further military escalation of the conflict.feedback

Now is the right moment to talk about how we can push for a peace process in Syria within the international community – with Russia, with Iran, with Saudi Arabia, with Europe, with the United States. To prevent military violence to escalate on and on, it's all about this.feedback

The political process must not be put aside, one which must ultimately lead to Assad no longer being the President of Syria – it means electoral reform, constitutional reform, elections and reconciliation within the country. This in the context that people might say: There is now an enemy who is worse, the terrorists, and if necessary, we also work together with Assad and his regime and possibly give him areas that have been freed from terrorists.feedback

The US Government is apparently prepared to provide American companies with unfair competitive advantages over European and other producers, even if such action violates international trade law. I very much fail to comprehend the decision.feedback

The negotiations will surely not be easy for either side. Bad feelings are understandable. For many it is difficult to understand, especially in these turbulent times, how anyone can believe they would be better off alone. But this can't be the basis for defining our future relationship.feedback

The United States is a country where Christian traditions have an important meaning. Loving your neighbor is a major Christian value, and that includes helping people. This is what unites us in the West and this is what we want to make clear to the Americans.feedback

My worry is, as we face the debate on the size of the armed forces, for example, on Russia's side and in the Baltics and in Poland…the debate in the US about the exorbitant increase in its military budget, that we are again facing the danger of a new arms race spiral.feedback

We want to get along peacefully and well with this country and to solve disputes in a democratic manner, to ensure that nobody is treated disrespectfully and that they can count on the friendship of the Germans. There simply are limits one must not go beyond and the comparison with Nazi Germany is one of them.feedback

No one expects a real military confrontation to happen here, but what there is, and what has been reported in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, are attempts at massive disinformation and influence campaigns.feedback

I think we need to ponder a couple of other aspects, starting with the fact that I do not believe that the security of Europe can be guaranteed solely with defence spending. Most wars and refugee developments that we are currently facing cannot be solved with more spending on equipment, but by protecting people from famine, poverty and war.feedback

The situation of Deniz Yucel throws a spotlight on the fact that Germany, and Turkey and the EU and Turkey, have very different ideas about the application of the basic principles of a constitutional democracy and the value of the freedom of the press.feedback

I have no doubts that the American vice president, and also the defense minister, will do everything to take responsibility within NATO as in the past, and I don't think there is a big argument inside the American government. Since I haven't spoken to him, I can only say what I discussed with Mr. Pence - I did that and there are no doubts there.feedback

All parties will use their influence to implement the agreement of the trilateral contact group from Feb 15. The aim is to have a ceasefire starting from Feb. 20 and to do what has long been agreed but never implemented: To withdraw the heavy weapons from the region, to secure them and enable the OSCE monitors to control where they are kept.feedback

This has been good background on Syria, on how we can resume the talks. That was the aim of today, the road ahead is still long, we all know that, especially those new to the talks, our new American colleague was engaged in the debate, so it bodes well for Geneva.feedback

Everyone was happy that Rex Tillerson was there and took an active part in the discussion. Of course everyone knows, and the United States expressed this through their foreign minister, that we need international cooperation to solve existing crises in the world.feedback

Our hand should remain outstretched for respectful cooperation based on … openness, honesty and what our constitutions stand for – freedom, democracy and the rule of law, as well as mutual responsibility.feedback

Both U.S. Vice President Pence and his colleague Tillerson made it clear in the talks that they have a strong interest in a united Europe, that they stand by a transatlantic partnership in NATO.feedback

I think we should all hope there are agreements between Russia and the U.S., not to the detriment of Ukraine or to Europe, but if there is an easing of tensions between these two world powers, then that is good.feedback

The world will not wait for us. There are urgent issues on the global agenda about which Germany and America, as well as Europe and America, should be closely coordinating. The friendship between two countries is far more than a beneficial cooperation between governments, but without good and trustworthy relations between those governments, it will not go well.feedback

After Brexit last year, if enemies of Europe manage again in the Netherlands or in France to get results then we face the threat that the largest civilization project of the 20th century, namely the European Union, could fall apart.feedback

The United States is a country where Christian traditions have an important meaning. Loving your neighbour is a major Christian value, and that includes helping people. I think that is what unites us in the West, and I think that is what we want to make clear to the Americans.feedback

He will run a protectionist and nationalist programme, and we cannot respond in the same way. We need to act by becoming more competitive, investing in our infrastructure, in digitalisation, in education, we simply need to get better. And we need to look for partners who want to achieve those things with us and I believe they exist. When someone shuts doors – and he is shutting doors – others open somewhere else, that I am sure of. Germany should act with self-confidence and not be fearful or servile.feedback

Of course, if the US president starts a trade conflict – I don't want to call it 'trade war' – with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and with China. Of course, we in Europe should tell the ASEAN states and also China and India: 'We have no interest in a trade conflict, we want to be fair partners' – and we have to ask China to reciprocate – but we should take advantage of the opportunities that open up.feedback

The policies of Angela Merkel and Wolfgang Schaeuble have no doubt contributed to the deep crises in the European Union since 2008, to the isolation of a dominant German government and, through a relentless insistence on austerity, to high unemployment outside Germany. One consequence has been the strengthening of anti-European populist parties and the damaging of not only democracy but also a good investment climate. The continuation of the current policies comes at the cost of sustainable growth. This is also dangerous for Germany.feedback

If Trump starts a trade war with Asia and South America, it will open opportunities for us. Trump must simply recognise that the U.S. economy often isn't competitive, while the German (economy) is. You can see the weight of our economic interests. Germany should act with self-confidence and not be fearful or servile.feedback

Should the United States start a trade war with China and all of Asia then we as Europeans and Germans are fair partners. Europe and Germany need a strategy geared toward Asia and China and we have new opportunities.feedback

The US car industry would have a bad awakening if all the supply parts that aren't being built in the US were to suddenly come with a 35 percent tariff. I believe it would make the US car industry weaker, worse and above all more expensive. I would wait and see what the Congress has to say about that, which is mostly full of people who want the opposite of Trump.feedback

Of course, I can imagine a Red-Red-Green coalition, if it allows the formation of a stable government. But that depends completely on the Linke. They must decide whether they want to govern or remain a radical opposition.feedback

The German economy started 2016 on a good footing: industry posted an increase in production, employment is noticeably rising, and higher income of private households is leading to higher private spending. Our task is to use this momentum to invest in education, modern infrastructure and innovation.feedback

We checked if we could take back the foreign trade law approval. But we realised that it was impossible without the agreement of all those ministries of the old administration that gave the war weapons control law approval.feedback

It is up to Turkey if there is or there isn't visa liberalisation. Europe should under no circumstances be blackmailed. And we have to consider the fact that a country that is on its way to bring death penalty into force is only distancing itself so drastically from Europe.feedback

We believe that instead of one large central facility such as a transit area at the border these entry centers should be set up all over the country as initial reception centres for refugees and waiting areas to carry out entry checks and registrations and to distribute from there.feedback

Why should German taxpayers pay to imprison foreign criminals? The threat of having to spend time behind bars in their home country is far more of a deterrent than a prison sentence in Germany.feedback

With the recent nuclear agreement and the future events, new issues will be raised for Iran and we have developed the basis, both inside and outside the country, to produce security in the Middle East, and I believe it is for the benefit of Iran as well. Developing security in the region and the security of the state of Israel is of significant importance to us.feedback

In Europe we do not need pedantry or bashing each other, but everyone has to try and handle his challenges in the common European interest. We need to maintain our competitiveness in a globalised economy and possibly expand it, so we can maintain our social standards, social security, and continue to successfully master our tasks in culture or in environmental sustainability.feedback

There are seven ministers (of the SPD), four woman and three men who will sit at the cabinet table. It starts with Frank-Walter Steinmeier as head of the Foreign Ministry, probably the most high-profile foreign affairs politician.feedback

I believe a coalition between us is about change in this country, and also in Europe, taking a different route and thinking about tomorrow; what we want to happen to our children and grandchildren. We need to bring that back into politics. Merkel's coalition do politics without tomorrow.feedback

Twelve state elections without a majority for the chancellor. What we can say today I think is that the Federal election is wide open, dear friends! We will be fighting, we will be using the political concept from lower Saxony nationwide.feedback

Along with Chancellor Merkel, we just agreed on measures for growth and employment in Europe. We made it clear that we need sustainable financial resources for this, such as taxing financial markets.feedback

It's a slap in the face to every honest taxpayer. The money will not flow into the state coffers. It will disappear abroad. That's what Switzerland wanted to arrange, but we will not go along with it.feedback

(Chancellor) Merkel is opening up gaps among the middle class. They are the ones who are interested in getting ahead, education and performance, but who also support social equality, the environment, and consumer protection.feedback

The exact causes are not clear yet, electric utilities have to analyse these, but it shows it's necessary to invest more into the development of the networks. That's one of the utilities' duties and I think there's a considerable backlog demand problem here.feedback

National egoism, I believe, is worthless as a regulatory principle for our world. The motto 'our country first' not only leads to more national confrontations and less prosperity, in the end there can only be losers.feedback

It's an almost tragic situation where the only existing agreement to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons is in jeopardy at a time when we are seeing other countries like North Korea acquiring nuclear weapons and we need such processes more than ever.feedback

I am convinced that neither the volatile and charged situation in the region, nor Iran's behavior will improve if the nuclear agreement goes out of force. Because no one has the impression anymore that international negotiations are worth and one has to assume that such an agreement can be canceled after a short time.feedback

Most quoted people

I'm not jealous of my male colleagues often, but I am when it comes to how they can just shower, shave, put on a suit, and be ready to go. The few times I've gone out in public without makeup, it's made the news.

I've made mistakes. There's no question, I think we all do. Some of them I've tried to own very publicly. And in some cases there were things that I did, until someone brought it up, I said, Gosh, I didn't realize that that was a mistake. I'm sorry about that.